Nissan Europe will make some improvements to the new Qashqai and begin selling it in the second half of 2025. This model will be equipped with the third-generation next-generation e-POWER . This third-generation e-POWER improves fuel economy by 20% compared to the first-generation e-POWER and reduces costs by 20%. In particular, fuel economy at high speeds has improved by 15% compared to the second-generation e-POWER.
What is the third generation e-POWER?
The next-generation e-POWER system is a significant evolution of the current e-POWER system. It is equipped with a 1.5L inline 3-cylinder engine and does not feature a VC-Turbo. Improved engine efficiency (thermal efficiency from 39% to 42%) and improvements to the motor have resulted in a 15% improvement in fuel economy . It also achieves smoother acceleration and quieter operation, closer to that of an EV.
Differences from the current e-POWER
The next-generation e-POWER has achieved significant performance improvements, including a 20% improvement in fuel economy and a 20% reduction in costs compared to the first-generation e-POWER. High-speed fuel economy in particular has been improved by 15% compared to the second-generation e-POWER . This will enable the next-generation e-POWER to achieve top-class fuel economy in Europe, and is expected to achieve significant improvements in fuel economy in the United States as well.
Features of next-generation e-POWER
- Engine Efficiency: Designed specifically for E-POWER, it maximizes efficiency, sacrificing the low-rev range and focusing on the fuel-efficient range.
- Improved motor efficiency: The efficiency of the motor itself has also been improved by adopting an inverter that uses SIC.
- Improved fuel economy: Improved engine and motor efficiency results in a 15% improvement in fuel economy.
- Improved quietness: It is also quieter than the current model.
- Improved driving performance: The motor output is smoother, and the power feels stronger when accelerating.
- Other: The engine noise is quieter, making the car feel more refined while driving.
Nissan’s new Qashqai exterior in Europe
The front grille has been completely updated, giving the car a more striking exterior. New headlights are sharper, conveying a sense of purpose and presence. They feature adaptive high-beam modules, complemented by smaller units that deliver a wider beam distribution, helping improve visibility in low light and fog. Daytime running lights surround the main headlight lenses and feature illuminated “Nissan” lettering on the outer edges. The upper daytime running light elements function as turn signals when activated and, for the first time, feature sequential turn signals.
The most obvious change at the front end is the disappearance of the V-shaped chrome grille and the strange tuning-fork-shaped headlight and DRL (Daytime Running Light) combination. Instead, a larger, better-looking mesh grille inspired by the chainmail armor worn by ancient Japanese soldiers is adopted, with hidden headlights and ultra-slim DRLs. The body size is 4,425mm long, 1,625mm high, and 1,835mm wide.
The rear tweaks are more subtle, but a new set of LED lights and a revised bumper with a more aggressive lower section are designed to give the Qashqai a sportier presence. Furthermore, the new N-Design grade gets colour-coded body trim and 20-inch wheels instead of the usual 18- or 19-inch wheels, further enhancing its appeal.
Nissan’s new Qashqai interior in Europe
Like the X-Trail, the new infotainment system features a 12.3-inch display audio for improved quality. The new system incorporates Google for the first time in Nissan’s history, adding ” Google Built-in . ” Unlike Android Auto, the new system’s Android-based navigation system can be used without connecting a smartphone. This means you can use Google Maps or other map apps by downloading them. It features wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity, a wireless charging pad, and four USB-C ports. This latest Android-based infotainment system includes built-in Google Maps and Google Personal Assistant. The Around View Monitor camera system also now features a 3D function, allowing the driver to view the Qashqai from all exterior angles, including overhead.
The Around View Monitor (AVW) features an “invisible hood view” and “parking spot location memory” that stores frequently used parking spots and automatically parks there. The same technology is used to store the location of intersections with limited visibility, and an ultra-wide road feed is automatically displayed on the media screen without the driver having to activate it.
It has not been introduced in Japan since the first generation “Qashqai”
The Qashqai (known as Dualis in Japan) was way ahead of its time. It is now known as a compact SUV that is popular in Japan as well. The first generation was released in Europe under the name QASHQAI, and is sold in North America, Taiwan, and South Korea as the Rogue, which shares the same platform. Meanwhile, it is sold as the Qashqai in South Africa, the Middle East, Singapore, China, New Zealand, and South America, and as the Dualis in Australia and Japan.
The first generation went on sale in Japan on May 23, 2007, but the lineup was consolidated with the full model change of the X-Trail on December 11, 2013, and production for the Japanese market ended. Since then, it has not been introduced to the public. When the first generation was released, SUVs were not as popular as they are today, and the Qashqai (known as the Dualis in Japan) did not attract much attention.
Nissan’s new Qashqai: Is now the time to launch a Japanese model?
The biggest appeal of the new Qashqai as a Japanese model is its body size: 4,425mm in length, 1,625mm in height, and 1,835mm in width, placing it between the X-Trail and Kicks currently in the Japanese lineup. It features the popular e-POWER model in Japan, and like the new X-Trail, the VC-Turbo employs a dedicated power generation engine, making it an even more attractive model. The 1.5L 3-cylinder VC-Turbo gasoline engine produces a maximum output of 156hp (115kW/158PS), while the electric motor produces a maximum output of 188hp (140kW/190PS), combined with an inverter and battery. It also comes equipped with the ProPilot (with Navi-Link function) safety driving assistance system. It also features all of the features found in Nissan’s most popular models in Japan.
With SUVs being so popular in Japan, other companies are expanding their lineups of mid-class SUVs, with Toyota adding the Yaris Cross and Corolla Cross , Honda the ZR-V , and Mazda the CX-30 and MX -30 , so it would be well worth Nissan adding the Qashqai.
Corolla Cross
ZR-V
CX-30
Nissan Qashqai
